Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said Tuesday that he is "disappointed" with his former quarterback, Everett Golson, but Kelly did not banish Golson from the program or red-letter him.

"It's like being a dad," Kelly said. "You're disappointed, but know these things happen. I have a big sense of pride that he handled it in the right way. Everett took full accountability and responsibility and he's going to do everything in his power to get himself back here at Notre Dame."

Kelly described it as a "defining moment" in Golson's life, something he'll have to endure and grow from. If Golson reaches every demand of the university, he'll be welcomed back on the team, Kelly said, adding that people deserve a "second chance."

Kelly did not indicate who next year's starter would be, though many presume that it will be former starter Tommy Rees. Rees will compete with Andrew Hendrix and freshman Malik Zaire. Zaire, an early enrollee, has picked up on things quickly. And Rees is a veteran who knows his way around.

No matter who trots out as the starter, it's obvious that Kelly, who invested a great deal of time into Golson's development, is starting all over with his replacement.

"It's going to be a challenge but one that we think we can overcome," he said. "They overcame a lot last year. They'll continue to do it this year regardless of who's at the quarterback position."

Kelly also addressed defensive line recruit Eddie Vanderdoes, who signed with the Irish in February but reportedly no longer wants to play at Notre Dame.

"I don't get too much involved in who's not here," Kelly said. "We'll see who shows up. There's always a surprise or two. We hope they're all here when they are asked to report in June."

Finally, Kelly said he has not considered inviting transfer Gunner Kiel, now at Cincinnati, to come back. Kiel is no longer interested in the Irish, either."That's not something that I've ever done at all," Kelly said of reaching out to a player who leaves. "I'm going to coach the guys who want to be here at Notre Dame. Gunner had his reasons for not wanting to be here."